IGSHPA Credentials

Learn how to properly design a residential system, starting with the benefits and types of ground source heat pumps. You'll also learn about the design process, energy loads and requirements, and how to calculate loads; how to select mechanical systems; site, geology and soil conditions; ground heat exchanger design; pumping, interior piping and header design; economics of the design; and calculate a sample problem. After the course you'll be ready to take (and pass!) a certification test to become an IGSHPA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer.

GSHP installers, contractors, dealers, home builders, manufacturers, distributors, architects, heating cooling mechanical engineers, trenching/water well drilling contractors, and anyone who desires a working knowledge of this innovative technology. Representatives from public utilities, private utilities, and rural electric cooperatives can also benefit from training.

• Ground Source Heat Pump Benefits
• System Components
• Heat Pump Types
• Design Process
• Energy Requirements
• Load Calculations
• Parameters that affect different types of heat pump performance, site, geology and soil conditions
• Heat pump and pipe design
• Economics of design

The IGSHPA exam package costs $350. It includes fees for the IGSHPA CRD exam, IGSHPA membership for 3 years, and an individual license for the CSA standards. This is paid once the course is completed and you are ready to take the exam.

The open-book exam has 50 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score 80% or above.

The CRD exam is not proctored and test takers may use any device to access the exam.

Continuing education is required every three years for certification renewal.

During the 3-year period, 8 points must be accumulated to renew your certification and an IGSHPA Continuing Education Form must be submitted. The points can be accumulated three ways:

• Employment
  • You may accumulate up to 4 points by remaining continually employed for 3 years in the combined geothermal heat pump and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning field.
  • Total points = (number of years x 1.33)
• Membership in an approved organization
  • Approved organizations include IGSHPA, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and similar organizations
  • 1 point = each year of membership
  • Membership in more than one organization will apply toward accumulation of multiple points per year.
• Education
  • Points can be accumulated by participating in continuing education or professional activities in the combined geothermal heat pump or HVAC field.
  • 2 points can be accumulated for each 20 contact hours in seminars or training.
    • Total contact hours x 0.1 = CEU credit points
  • 2 points can also be accumulated for each college credit hour, if that applies.

IGSHPA memberships & certification can be purchased for 1 or 3 years at a time. IGSHPA members receive a discount on certification renewal (your membership term must match certification renewal term). An annual IGSHPA individual membership is $125/year. Member certification renewal is $75/year, while non-member certification renewal is $225/year.

You can learn more about IGSHPA certification renewal requirements here.